I'm taking a red eye flight Friday night from Arizona so I can be in North Carolina Saturday to help cover the April 19 Operation Inasmuch statewide community ministry event.

I know I'm not alone in my excitement for this event because at least 805 churches have signed up to do Operation Inasmuch in their communities on that day.

Think of it. That could mean 80,000 or more North Carolina Baptists swarming this state in hands on ministry on the same day.

The Biblical Recorder is going to cover it like snow in Wisconsin. Send us your photos with captions so we can build a photo album.

I just finished a story for the next issue on the Hearts and Hammers ministry of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte. Leader Tony Redden runs that volunteer organization like a weekly Operation Inasmuch.

"People appreciate what we do," Redden said. "It's taking scripture and putting action behind it. If we proclaim to be Christians and have love, scripture clearly tells us to show that love to others. This is a very tangible way to do that. People appreciate the action more than just words."

That statement summarizes Inasmuch. It is a tangible way to show God's love to the people in your community. And because as many as 80,000 North Carolina Baptist Christians are doing it the same day, it could have tremendous impact.

Can you think of a anything else, by any group, for any reason that coalesces 80,000 people at once for a common purpose?

David Crocker, who created Operation Inasmuch at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville, always said the original goal of 250 churches was too low. He expected 500 churches and 50,000 volunteers, minimum.

Crocker has moved fulltime into promoting and preparing churches to conduct Operation Inasmuch throughout the nation and even has inquiries from abroad.

If you have not signed up yet, call Mary Mountz at the North Carolina Baptist Men's office in Cary: 919-459-5606. Churches in 97 of North Carolina's 100 counties have signed on. That is near blanket coverage.

Of course, the name for Operation Inasmuch comes from Jesus' words in Matthew 25:40 "...inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me." Find ideas here.

Be among the many Saturday. Work among your neighbors as unto Jesus.